THE STORY:

$30 or more – Postcard or video message from an ICRW researcher in the field

First 3 people to give $50 or more – Ithemba coaster (Ithemba means “hope” in Xhosa-speaking Africa) created by African women artisans affected by HIV or AIDS.

First 10 people to give $100 or more – Copy of Development as Freedom signed by author Amartya Sen or Champion of Choice: The Life and Legacy of Women’s Advocate Nafis Sadik signed by Nafis Sadik.

First 10 people to give $150 or more – Handcrafted decorative basket from Uganda Crafts purchased through Ten Thousand Villages. Uganda Crafts owns a retail store that provides employment for people with physical disabilities and gives training in quality control, design and marketing.

First 20 people to give $200 or more – Authentic framed photo from ICRW’s work on the ground taken by ICRW staff member (professional quality).

$1,000 – Lunch with ICRW President Sarah Kambou or choose one of our resident experts! (Must be in Washington, DC or by video conference)

(If you contributed at one of the above levels prior to this announcement, please contact us.)

Every girl deserves the chance to reach her full potential. A decisive period in determining whether this potential can be fully achieved is adolescence—a critical turning point in anybody’s life. It is when young people gain the experiences, skills, support, and confidence they need to become healthy and productive adults. But for girls growing up in impoverished societies around the world, this essential transition period is often cut short, with devastating long-term effects for the young woman, her family and community.

Did you know…

According to the United Nations, young women ages 15 to 24 in sub-Saharan Africa, the region hardest hit by the epidemic, are up to 8 times more likely than men to be living with HIV.

In South and West Asia, only 52 percent of eligible girls are in secondary school, and in sub-Saharan Africa, only 32 percent of eligible girls are in secondary school.

Globally, one in four girls under 17 experiences sexual abuse, and the rates are significantly higher in the global South.

In many developing countries, girls are forced to marry shortly after puberty, often to much older men. In some cultures, child brides are married as young as 7 or 8 years.

When adolescent girls and young women have access to secondary education, they are more likely to earn an income as adults.

When they have access to youth-friendly health care and information, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors that threaten their health.

When adolescent girls and young women can exercise their right to decide when to marry and have children, they are more likely to grow into empowered, productive adults.

When girls are able to postpone pregnancy until adulthood, they are far less likely to die or suffer injury during childbirth, and their children are more likely to live through infancy.

Be a part of developing solutions to the many challenges adolescent girls face worldwide. Give girls everywhere the opportunity to become healthy empowered women. Support ICRW's Turning Point campaign today!

Joanna Breyer

DONATION: $300

Jacquelyn Mayfield

DONATION: $200

Patricia Daunas

Anne Marie Golla

Suzanne Petroni

DONATION: $150

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